Friday, July 29, 2011

My oops! card



Well, this was supposed to be a monogrammed thank you card, but I didn't like the way the monogrammed letter looked, or the placement of it, but didn't want to waste the card.  So, I took my 1 1/4" Circle punch and punched out the letter leaving the opening. 

Now, what was I going to do with a card with a big circle cut out of the corner?  After looking at my wall of stamps I decided to turn this into a simple Thank You card.  Using the Framed Tulips embossing folder I made my border, stamped the Thank you in the upper left corner, and stamped the little flower through the hole in the card.  Now, my mistake looks like it was always supposed to be like this.  Like I always tell my workshop and class stampers, you can usually find a way to turn your oops card into a usable card.  Sometimes it is even better than what you had planned!

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry #115658
Stamp Sets:  Thank You Kindly #111700, Tiny Tags #118091 wood or #118592 clear
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder #121809
Punch:  1 1/4" Circle #119861

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Awash with Flowers meets Beyond the Garden

Doesn't it look like the images in the Beyond the Garden Designer Series Paper were made to coordinate with the Awash with Flowers Stamp Set?  Well, maybe not everyone will agree with me, but I thought they looked like they needed to be brought together for my thank you card.

Tempting Tangerine cardstock and a layer of Melon Mambo and a piece of Beyond the Garden DSP were the base layers for my card.  After adding a layer of Wild Wasabi and Whisper White to soften the boldness of those colors, I stamped my flower using the two step stamp set Awash with Flowers.  Coordinating Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon  was tied to this layer, and my tiny sentiment was placed on with linen thread. 

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Melon Mambo #115320, Tangerine Tango #111349, Wild Wasabi #108641, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Beyond the Garden #122342
Ink:  Melon Mambo #115656, Tangerine Tango #111835, Wild Wasabi #109014
Stamp Sets:  Awash with Flowers #117062 wood or #120549 clear, Tiny Tags #118091 wood or #118592 clear
Punch:  Jewelry Tag #117190
Accessories:  Melon Mambo 1/2" Scallop Dots #122985, Linen Thread #104199

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Flirtatious Congratulations!

Flirtatious Specialty Paper offers not only 10 sheets of pretty paper, but also 2 doily laser-cut double sided designs.  One sheet is in Pumpkin Pie, and the other in Melon Mambo.  I cut one of the doilies out from Melon Mambo sheet and turned it around to use the white side instead. 

Today's card is Pretty in Pink cardstock, with layers of Tangerine Tango and a sheet from the Flirtatious Specialty DSP.  To this I added my cut doily and three strands of Tangerine Tango 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon.  I wanted to add a brad to the center of my doily but needed something a little larger than the 3/16" brads which you can get in a variety of colors.  So instead I took one of my Jumbo 5/16" Whisper White Brads and changed it to a Tangerine Tango 5/16" Brad.  After stamping and punching my sentiment for the bottom of the card, I thought it looked a little bare, so using the opposite side of the DSP that was used for the layer, I punched two bitty flowers and placed them on the sides of the Congratulations.

How did I change my white brad to a Tangerine Tango Brad?  Well, it was really simple.  I took my brad and using tweezers to hold onto it, dipped the tip of it into my Versa Mark ink pad, and then into my Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder.  Next, using my heat tool, I set the color by heating it.  Instant change from white to tangerine! 

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Pretty in Pink #100459, Tangerine Tango #111349, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Flirtatious Specialty #122360
Stamp Set:  Wedding Sweet #115466
Ribbon:  Tangerine Tango 1/2" Scallop Dots #124144
Punches:  Modern Label #119849, Itty Bitty Shapes #118309
Embellishment:  5/16" Neutral Jumbo Brad #112534, Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder #123106
Accessories:  Heat Tool #100005

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Masculine Birthday Card

If you need help coming up with ideas for masculine cards, just open up your pack of Nautical Expedition Designer Series Paper from the Summer Mini Catalog, and you have 12 sheets of paper that will inspire you.  Don't have this paper yet?  You have until August 31st to purchase it!

The card starts with a base of Basic Gray Cardstock, followed by matte layers of the Nautical Expedition DSP layered on top of Whisper White cardstock.  The wish big sentiment is from another one of my new sets, "Bring on the Cake".  It was punched out using the Decorative Label punch and placed onto a cut and corner punched piece of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock, and put on with dimensionals.  The bottom corner looked a little bare, so I added three neutral brads, a nice embellishment that still keeps that masculine look.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Basic Gray #121044, Whisper White #100730, Cherry Cobbler #119685
Designer Series Paper:  Nautical Expedition #122343 (Summer Mini)
Ink:  Basic Gray #109120
Stamp Set:  Bring on the Cake #121899 wood or #121958
Punches:  Decorative Label #120907, 3/16" Corner #119871
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430
Embellishment:  Neutral Brads #119736

Monday, July 25, 2011

Stamp Class - Guest Stamper Card

When I have my monthly stamp classes, one of the things the girls told me they love is that I let them experiment with all of my products.  I prep between 15-20 cards for them to choose from, and while the majority of the time they follow my sample card, they know that they can change the sentiment or add a different stamp set by browsing my wall of stamps, or use a different ribbon or embellishment by selecting them from a basket that is set out for their use.  This way they don't always have to make what I like, they can personalize it to what they like or need.  So today's post is a card made by Osleen McWilliams who attends my monthly classes.  She liked the reverse masking technique, but needed a thank you card so she changed the sentiment and colors to create her own card.

The card uses Very Vanilla cardstock that was embossed with the Tulips Embossing Folder.  For the sentiment, Osleen used the circle template that I had prepared and sponged Daffodil Delight ink to the inside of the punched out circle.  She then stamped her image in the center of her sponged circle.   Thanks Osleeen for letting me share your card today.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Stamp Set:  Kidoodles #122865 wood or #122867 clear
Ink:  Daffodil Delight #119667, Early Espresso #119670
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder #121809, Stamping Sponge #101610

Friday, July 22, 2011

Manhattan Flower meets Fifth Avenue Floral

The Manhattan Flower embossing folder, is a perfect match for the large flower in the Fifth Avenue Floral Stamp Set.  I love how Stampin' Up! coordinates products for us!

The card is Whisper White cardstock, and an embossed layer of Island Indigo cardstock.  I matted the Whisper White cardstock stamped with the flowers on a piece of Early Espresso cardstock.  To get the scrunchy ribbon on the side I added a strip of Sticky Strip and then just gathered the ribbon as I placed it down.  The sentiment was placed on with dimensionals, and is from the Oval All Stamp Set.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Island Indigo #122923, Early Espresso #119686
Ink:  Island Indigo #122937, Pool Party #122938
Stamp Sets:  Fifth Avenue Floral #113734, Oval All #113790
Ribbon: Whisper White Satin #114616
Punches:  Large Oval #119855, Scallop Oval #119856
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder #114517, Dimensionals #104430, Sticky Strip #104294


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

How old?

Well, since I don't  know who will be getting this card, I didn't color in the age!   But, what a cute way to send birthday wishes.  If I send this to my grandson for his birthday I get to color in lucky #4.

I started with Pool Party cardstock that was embossed with the Stripes embossing folder.  For added texture, I sponged a little bit of Pool Party ink over the embossed stripes.  I added layers of Lucky Limeade and Whisper White cardstock, and then stamped my pinwheels.  For each pinwheel, I stamped one image directly onto the cardstock, and then stamped and cut out the others to layer them on.  A small Itty Bitty Punch in Pool Party cardstock, and a So Saffron brad kept the pinwheels together.  Because the pinwheels are in two pieces they actually spin!  Oh, I love these new stamp sets in this year's catalog.  They are so much fun.  The 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch and dimensionals were used for my birthday sentiment.

The following were used for today's card:
Cardstock:  Pool Party #122924, Lucky Limeade #122926, Whisper White #100730
Stamp Sets:  Sweets for the Sweet #122510 wood or #122512 clear, Bring on the Cake #121899 wood or #121958 clear
Ink:  Calypso Coral #122939, Lucky Limeade #122935, Pool Party #122938
Punches:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle #118874, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack #118309
Embellishment:  Subtle Brads #119738
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430, Stamping Sponge #101610, Big Shot #113439, Stripes Embossing Folder #123128


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Love and Care Get Well Wishes


Did you know that the Love & Care stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalog can now be purchased by a hostess under the new hostess plan.  Instead of it being a Level 2 Stamp Set, any hostess with a qualifying workshop of $150 or more, can use her hostess dollars to purchase this set for $14.00 in wood mount, or $10.00 in clear mount.  The new hostess program gives you more money to spend on anything you want in the catalog, and there are select hostess only items at a reduced rate too.   

For today's card I used Lucky Limeade for the card base, and added a small strip of Paisley Petals Designer Paper to the center.  I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock with the Top Note Die using my Big Shot, and then stamped my images.  I then ran this through the Big Shot again using the new Stripes Embossing Folder.  To get the two different colors on my flowers, I used markers to color in the images.  

Important tip:  If you want your stamped image to be on embossed paper, stamp your image first, and then run it through your Big Shot with the embossing folder of your choice.  If you emboss it first, your inked image might not cover all of the embossed areas.   

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Lucky Limeade #122926, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Paisley Petals #122367
Stamp Sets:  Love & Care #123020 wood or #123022 clear (hostess - Summer Mini), Sincere Salutations #115068
Ink:  Calypso Coral #122939
Markers:  2011-13 In Color Assortment #123002
Punch:  Extra Large Oval #119859
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Stripes Embossing Folder #123128, Top Note Bigz Die #113463, Dimensionals #10440

Monday, July 18, 2011

For the happy couple!

When I don't  want to add a lot of layers, but still want the card to look special, I take out one of my embossing folders.  They add so much texture and adding a few pearls helps too!

For today's wedding card I used Very Vanilla cardstock for my card base, followed by an embossed layer of Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  Very Vanilla seam binding was tied onto the bottom with an added sentiment placed onto it with linen thread.  After I stamped my larger sentiment onto a scrap piece of Very Vanilla cardstock, I was happy to see that it fit perfectly into the opening of the Full Heart punch.   I placed this on with dimensionals, and added the pearls for some extra embellishment.  I also rounded the corners with the corner punch. 

I used the following:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla #101650
Designer Series Paper:  Paisley Petals #122367
Stamp Sets:  Tiny Tags #118091 wood or #118592 clear, Word Play #120308 wood or #120651 clear
Ribbon:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding #120999, Linen Thread #104199
Ink:  Basic Gray #109120
Embellishment:  Pearls #119247
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder #119277, Dimensionals #104430, Crop-a-Dile #108362
Punches:  Full Heart #119883,  3/16" Corner #119871, Jewelry Tag #117190


Friday, July 15, 2011

Posy Punch Birthday

Posy Punch is one of the great stamp sets that is offered at a reduced price for hostesses.  A great set for your summer cards.

Today's card was started with a base of Daffodil Delight cardstock, followed by a layer of Whisper White and then a layer of Beyond The Garden Designer Series Paper.  Before I put the two layers onto my card base I ran them through my Big Shot and used the Finial Press Embossing folder to create a nice textured background.  Next, some Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon was tied around the two layers.   I then stamped three flowers, the first one using Island Indigo ink.  For the second flower, to create a softer shade, I inked my flower again with Island Indigo Ink, but first stamped it onto a scrap piece of paper, and then onto Whisper White cardstock, taking off some of the color to get a lighter shade.  The third flower was created using the Rock and Roll technique.  I first stamped the flower in Daffodil Delight ink, and then took the edges of the stamp and rolled them around my Island Indigo stamp pad.  This creates a nice two toned effect.  When using this technique, just remember to stamp in the lighter ink pad first. 

To finish the card, I added a Designer Printed Brad, and then after I stamped and punched my sentiment, I tied it onto the Island Indigo ribbon using White Baker's Twine.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight #119683, Whisper White #100730
Designer Series Paper:  Beyond the Garden #122342
Ink:  Island Indigo #122937, Daffodil Delight #119667
Stamp Sets:  Posy Punch #122480 wood or #122482 clear, Sincere Salutations #115068
Ribbon:  Island Indigo 3/8" Ruffled #122974, White Baker's Twine #124262
Punches:  Fancy Flower #118073, Scallop Oval #119856
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Finial Press Embossing Folder #115963, Crop-a-Dile #108362
Embellishment:  Designer Printed Brad #122940

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Happy Greetings

The Fun Flower Bigz L Die adds a nice touch to my wedding card. 

The card base is Bravo Burgundy cardstock layered with coordinating pieces of Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, and the sentiment is from the Happy Greetings stamp set in the Summer Mini Catalog.  I sponged some Baja Breeze ink to the petals of the flower for added dimension, and also added a 5/16" Whisper White Brad to the center. 

Remember that your designer series paper coordinates with several colors of cardstock, and the colors are listed in the catalog below the name of the paper.   To help me save time, when I receive a new pack of designer paper, I list the coordinating colors on the back of the white packing paper it comes with.

For today's card I used the following:
Cardstock:  Bravo Burgundy #105123, Whisper White #100730, Baja Breeze #111352
Designer Series Paper:  Paisley Petals #122367
Ink:  Baja Breeze #111833
Stamp Set:  Happy Greetings #123311 wood or #123313 clear (Summer Mini)
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Fun Flowers Bigz L Die #121812, Stamping Sponge #101610
Embellishment:  Whisper White 5/16" Brad #112534 (Neutrals)


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Fancy Favor Thank You

I really like to make special boxes or bags when I have a small gift to give.  Giving handmade instead of store bought bags makes the gift seem more special.

To dress up the Fancy Favor Box which was cut with the Big Shot Machine, I punched two 2 3/8" Scallop Circles with a piece of Tangerine Tango DSP from the Brights Paper Stack.  To create the flower from these two punches, you take each circle and fold between the scallops, lining up each scallop on the opposite side.  Do this all the way around.  When you have done this to the two scallop circles, you make a small cut on each one between two of the scallops, and cut to the center.  Fold each scallop to create an accordion pleat, and then attach the two together.  To keep it together and adhere it to the box I used a Chocolate Chip 5/8" Jumbo Brad.    A medium cellophane bag tied with Very Vanilla Seam Binding held my gift. 

It took me a few tries to get the hang of folding the circles, but after practicing on scrap paper I finally got the hang of it.  They really make a nice embellishment on your project.

To make today's gift box I used the following:
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla 12 x 12 #124301 (cut it in half to make one box)
Designer Series Paper:  Brights Paper Stack #117155
Accessories:  Big Shot Machine #113439, Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die #115965, Extended Cutting Pads #113478, Medium Cellophane Bag #102757, Paper Piercing Tool #116631, Crop-a-Dile #108362
Embellishments:  5/8" Neutral Brad #112533, Brights Brads #119740 (to attach the handle)
Ribbon:  Very Vanilla Seam Binding #120999
Punch:  Modern Label #119849
Stamp Set:  Trendy Trees #113258
Ink:  Tangerine Tango #111834


Monday, July 11, 2011

Simple Pennant Parade

You don't always need a lot of layers to make a cute card, but a few nice punches will help.

Today's card was made with the new In-Color Island Indigo, and the Pennant Parade Stamp Set.  I stamped the pennants in Lucky Limeade Ink, and then punched them out with the Petite Pennants Builder Punch.  Some Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon creates a nice streamer for the pennants to rest on, and one Itty Bitty Button and punch were added for some extra embellishment.  An additional layer of Lucky Limeade punched with the Lace Ribbon Border punch and my sentiment finished the card. 

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Island Indigo #122923, Whisper White #100730, Lucky Limeade #122926
Ink:  Lucky Limeade #122935
Stamp Set:  Pennant Parade #122740 wood or #122742 clear
Punches:  Petite Pennants #122361, Small Oval #120908, Lace Ribbon Border #122362, Itty Bitty Shapes #118309
Ribbon:  Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain #109025
Embellishment:   Bitty Button #118761

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Embossed Metal Wall Frames

Scallop Square Bigz Die and Finial Press Embossing Folder

Scallop Circle Bigz Die and Square Lattice Embossing Folder
and
Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Scallop Square and Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder
and Square Lattice Embossing Folder

I wanted to show these pictures hung up on the wall, but the lighting was not sufficient, so I am showing them individually instead.  They really do make a cute wall hanging, and because they are so light, they can be put up with a thumb tack or push pin.

Several demonstrators have been showcasing items made with flashing, and I was inspired to try different things.  The Big Shot Die Cutting Machine makes it so easy and I love how it cuts through so many different materials.

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:
Accessories:  Big Shot #113439, Scallop Circle Bigz Die #113468, Scallop Circle #2 Bigz Die #112469, Scallop Square Clear Die #115950, Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, Finial Press Embossing Folder #115963, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175, Crop-a-Dile #108362, Sticky Strip #104294


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Beautiful Butterflies



I finally got the time to use my Big Shot and flashing to create these butterfly flower pot stakes.  Just one of the many ways you can use your Big Shot to help you decorate around your own home.

To make the butterflies, I used roof flashing that I purchased at a local home improvement store.  I ran the flashing through my Big Shot Machine using the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die.  For added texture I then ran the cut butterflies through again using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I used a glue gun to adhere them to a plant stake.  Really easy and fun to make. 

Check back tomorrow to see a wall of pictures I made using more flashing and the Big Shot.

The following Stampin' Up! products were used:
Accessories:  Big Shot Machine #113439, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die #114507, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Doilies and Lace


Today's card uses a mixture of a new stamp set, Delicate Doilies, and the new Lace Ribbon Border Punch, as well as the new color Lucky Limeade.

I started with Whisper White cardstock, followed by a layer of Pink Pirouette.  To this I added one strip of Lucky Limeade that was punched with the Lace Ribbon Border Punch.  Next I added a piece of Elegant Eggplant cardstock and two silver brads.  The stamped circular image was then punched with the 1 3/4" Circle punch, and then layered onto the large scallop circle.  Did you notice how the Idea Book and Catalog tells you what punches go with your stamp sets?  This takes a lot of guess work out of what to use.  My sentiment was punched out using the Decorative Label punch and I added some sponged Lucky Limeade ink around the edges.

The following were used:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Pink Pirouette #111351, Elegant Eggplant #105126, Lucky Limeade #122926
Ink:  Lucky Limeade #122935
Stamp Sets Delicate Doilies #122590 wood or #122592 clear, Happy Greetings #123311 wood or #123313 clear (Summer Mini)
Punches:  Lace Ribbon Border #122362, 1 3/4" Circle #119850, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle #119850, Decorative Label #120907
Embellishments:  Silver Brads #104436
Accessories:  Stamping Sponges #101610

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Wow - $99 Starter Kit Promotion!

Want to join my team and become an Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator and save money too?  Well, during the month of July Stampin' Up! is offering a $99 Starter Kit (Value $185) and Christmas Keepsake Project Kit (value $40).  Click on the link under promotions in my side bar which will take you directly to my on-line store where you can read all about this great promotion. 

E-mail me or leave a comment if you have any questions, and I would love to have you as a member of my team!

Friday, July 1, 2011

The New Catalog is Here!!!



Click on the catalog in my sidebar on the left hand side, not the one pictured below, and go directly to my on-line store and see what is new!!!

Hello to the New In Colors!

Todays card was made for the simple purpose of introducing you to the New 2011-2012 In Colors.  These five new colors will be available for two years, while the In Colors that were introduced in the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog will be with us for one more year. 

After folding a piece of Whisper White cardstock to form my card, I punched all of the new In Colors with the Lace Ribbon Border Punch which is also new!  I added the stamped sentiment which is from the Summer Mini Catalog and layered it on with punches. 

Oh what fun I am having going through my new catalog.  There are so many wonderful new items.  Not only are there five new added colors, but also new stamp sets, designer papers, punches, ribbons, Big Shot accessories and so much more.  If you would like to purchase your own catalog and become a member of my Coupon Catalog club just send me an e-mail, or leave a comment on my blog and I will get back to you and let you know how the new catalog can be yours. 

For today's card:
Cardstock:  Whisper White #100730, Wisteria Wonder #122922, Island Indigo #122923, Pool Party #122924, Calypso Coral #122925, Lucky Limeade #122926
Stamp Set:  Swurks & Curls Verses #13015 or #123017 (Hostess - Summer Mini)
Ink:  Island Indigo #122937
Punches:  Lace Ribbon Border #122362, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle #118874, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle #119854, 1-3/8" Circle #119860
Accessories:  Dimensionals #104430